Some nights I lay silently in the grass and listen to the trees argue.

Other nights, I join in.

But not this night. This night I lay motionless, relishing the tickling sensation of the grass blades on my bare feet. A slight breeze dances off my skin, an eruption of goosebumps left in its path.

The stars shine bright, not a cloud in the sky. There's a full moon tonight. It illuminates the forest like the sun itself.

"You should be back in the village, Gillian. It's nearly time." Says the familiar voice of my father from behind the trees.

Caught. I sigh and push up to my elbows. "I'm not ready, father."

He walks out from the shadow of dense foliage. "That's not for you to decide. The Mother has spoken, and you will marry. Tonight."

My jaw clenches. "No. I won't do it." I don't care if he is a prince, the next heir to the Elvin throne. Why the Mother chose me to be his bride, I'll never understand. I'm just a smith's daughter. Not even close to royalty.

"You don't have a choice, Gil." My father sounds equally frustrated and sad. He knows that after tonight, I'll likely never see him again. "If you don't go willingly, they'll send the Guard. That's not how you want to meet your future husband. Not the impression you want to make."

I snort. I hate that he's right. Of course I want to make my family proud, show the royals that this small village is more than just simple farm folk. I push up to sitting, tears sting my eyes. I force a small nod before standing tall. My wild long hair falls to past my shoulders to the mid of my back. It glows in the light of the moon.

"You're more than His Royal Highness will ever deserve, Gil. Remember that." My father pulls me into tight embrace. His bright blue eyes flowing freely with tears.

"I love you Father." My eyes, the same color as his, meet is gaze.

Time to meet my new husband.